Bayern Munich on brink of clinching record 23rd league title

Borussia Dortmund have won the last two titles, but they currently sit 20 points adrift of Bayern in second place with eight games remaining.

Bayern Munich players celebrate a goal. Pic/Getty Images.

If Juergen Klopp’s side fail to win at Stuttgart today afternoon, record champions Bayern will be in a position to clinch their 23rd national title, and 22nd since the inception of the Bundesliga half a century ago.

However, it is inevitable that the Bavarians will eventually get their hands on the ‘Salad Bowl’ trophy, and those at the club are not too concerned whether they do so this weekend, especially with the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Juventus to come on Tuesday.

Bayern players and staff insist all the focus is on Hamburg, but the prospect of any major celebrations if they do wrap up the title has been ruled out, with officials confirming that there will be no trophy presentation at the Allianz Arena regardless of what happens.

“In the dressing room, we’re talking exclusively about Hamburg. That’s our main focus. We need a good performance,” said midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Bayern against Hamburg is a meeting of the traditional giants of southern and northern Germany, but while Bayern have long dominated the country’s footballing scene, HSV are struggling to keep up.

However, Hamburg, just a point adrift of the top four,are one of several clubs still in in contention for a place in the Champions League next season.